I agree partially on the love of free patterns David. Heck, yeah, who doesn’t love free patterns ;) I have to respectfully add my two cents though. You say “Why pay…”? Well, in some cases, you get better quality designs. Secondly it helps support the ones who spend a lot of time drawing up and perfecting their designs to be sold.
Again, I mean no disrespect to you. Just giving my response as to the benefit of occasionally paying.

Charles Dearing